Andhra Pradesh Seeks Walmart’s Support to Expand Global Markets for MSMEs and Artisans
Mumbai: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh has urged Walmart and Flipkart to expand their sourcing from the State, with a focus on MSMEs, women-led self-help groups and traditional artisans.
He made the proposal during a meeting with Paul Dyck, Senior Vice President of Global Government Affairs and Business Diplomacy at Walmart, on the sidelines of the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Mumbai.
Lokesh proposed that Walmart bring its global buyers to an MSME sourcing event in Andhra Pradesh focusing on seafood and textiles. He also sought dedicated access for products made by women-led self-help groups, including DWCRA groups, and local artisans to Walmart and Flipkart’s domestic and international supply chains through the State’s Swayam AP and Lepakshi brands.
During the meeting, Dyck said Walmart currently sources more than 65 million pounds of shrimp annually from Andhra Pradesh. The company also procures pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering products from the State.
Flipkart’s operations in Andhra Pradesh have generated more than 28,000 direct and indirect jobs. Its logistics network includes over 100 hubs covering approximately 12 lakh sq. ft., along with 0.33 million sq. ft. of wholesale infrastructure.
Under an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh MSME Corporation and the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH), more than 3,200 MSMEs have received training, with over 900 businesses subsequently joining the Flipkart and Walmart marketplaces.
Dyck said Walmart would examine the proposals submitted by the State Government.
Lokesh said the State aims to connect its MSMEs, women’s self-help groups and artisans directly with global buyers through Walmart and Flipkart’s sourcing networks.
